If you’ve been keeping up with property news, you may have heard that several HDB loft units were recently sold at record-breaking prices. A few were sold for over a million dollars, which is more expensive than some freehold condos in Singapore. How do HDB loft units and executive maisonettes differ?
Both are premium HDB apartments which are highly coveted due to their larger living space, double-storey height, and elegant high ceilings. They have a shared appeal as public properties designed to echo the ambience of landed properties. Both are rare and high in demand.
However, although these two types of HDB units have many similarities, they are not the same.If you want to snag a property like this for yourself, you need to know what each type offers and how they differ to choose one that best suits your needs. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the key differences between HDB loft units and executive maisonettes below.
In November, a 5-room HDB loft at SkyTerrace@Dawson was sold for S$1.328m, setting a new record for the most expensive resale HDB flat sold in the mature estate of Queenstown. There are only 26 loft units in this development. (Photo courtesy of Lois Ho)
HDB Flat Type
HDB loft units fall under the 3Gen HDB flat type, while executive maisonettes are under the executive maisonette flat type. HDB loft units are considered the newer version of executive maisonettes, which first appeared in the 1980s.
Production
HDB loft units are still in production, while the construction of executive maisonettes ended in 1995 after implementing the Executive Condominium Housing Scheme. Their discontinued status makes executive maisonettes even more desirable.
Remaining Lease
Since executive maisonettes were discontinued in 1995, the remaining lease on existing executive maisonettes tends to be shorter than most HDB loft units. This means that if you want your new home to double as a retirement asset, it may be better to opt for an HDB loft unit with more years left on the lease rather than an executive maisonette.A newer HDB loft unit will also be a better choice if you wish to pass your flat down to your children in the future since lease decay will be less of a concern. However, if you are looking for a spacious home that will allow you to live out your golden years in comfort, you can opt for an executive maisonette.
Layout
One of the most noticeable differences between these two types of flats is the location of the bedrooms. The bedrooms of HDB loft units are situated on both the first and second floors, whereas the bedrooms of executive maisonettes are all on the second floor. This gives executive maisonettes more of a landed property feel, with bedrooms and living spaces separated by different levels.
Homeowners who often have guests over may prefer a layout like this as their guests will be able to freely roam the first floor without accidentally wandering into someone’s bedroom.Another difference in the layout is that HDB loft units are designed with smaller second floors than first floors, while executive maisonettes have first and second floors of roughly the same size.
In November 2021, a 5-room, 147-sqm loft unit in Treelodge@Punggol sold for S$970k with 89 years left on its lease. There are only 14 loft units in this eco-friendly development, which BTO-ed in 2007. (Image source: HDB)
Location
Since executive maisonettes are a past product, you can only find them on the resale market. These older units are mostly situated in mature estates, such as Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Clementi, Tampines, and Pasir Ris. This is great because it means access to the numerous amenities in these estates over the years.
Meanwhile, HDB loft units can be found in newer BTO projects, such as SkyTerrace@Dawson, Punggol Sapphire, and Treelodge@Punggol. You may be able to find HDB loft units on the resale market, but it’ll be difficult due to their limited numbers and high popularity. Now that you know the key differences between HDB loft units and executive maisonettes, you can make an informed choice with confidence. Happy house hunting! –
Would you prefer a HDB loft or executive maisonette? Let us know in the comments section below or on our Facebook post.
If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends Ultra-rare Queenstown HDB loft sold at record-breaking S$1.33m in the neighbourhood and Monthly record of 29 million-dollar flats sold in November 2021. Looking for a property? Find the home of your dreams today on Singapore’s fastest-growing property portal 99.co! If you would like to estimate the potential value of your property, check out 99.co’s Property Value Tool for free. Meanwhile, if you have an interesting property-related story to share with us, drop us a message here — and we’ll review it and get back to you.
The post What’s the difference between HDB loft units and executive maisonettes? appeared first on 99.co.
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Qingjian Realty and Forsea Holdings to Preview Coastal Cabana from 6 December; First Executive Condominium in Pasir Ris in Over a Decade
748-unit seafront executive condominium featuring resort-inspired living and spacious layouts thoughtfully designed for families
Prices to start from S$1,639 psf, with a mix of 3- to 5-bedroom units ranging from 872 sq ft to 1,421 sq ft
Next to Downtown East and surrounded by a full suite of family-friendly amenities, schools, and parks
Preview and e-application from 6 to 21 December 2025
SINGAPORE, 18 November 2025 – Qingjian Realty, Forsea Holdings, ZACD Group and Jianan Capital are set to preview the highly anticipated Coastal Cabana Executive Condominium (EC) from Saturday, 6 December 2025. Located along Jalan Loyang Besar in Pasir Ris, the 748-unit coastal development enjoys a coveted position within walking distance to Pasir MRT and next to Downtown East, with select units offering panoramic sea views. Designed as a serene retreat within a vibrant neighbourhood, Coastal Cabana offers families the quiet luxury of generous living spaces, thoughtfully curated facilities, and seamless access to the estate’s recreational offerings.
Mr Du Dexiang, Managing Director of Qingjian Realty said, “Coastal Cabana is a much-needed addition for upgraders and aspiring homeowners who appreciate the vibrancy and convenience of this well-developed mature estate. At Qingjian, our focus has always been on building quality homes with enduring appeal that meet the needs of buyers. That commitment is reflected in what we have created at Coastal Cabana. With the uncertain future supply of EC developments in Pasir Ris over the next few years, this project is well-positioned to capture strong pent-up demand in the area.”
Mr Wang Xin, Director at Forsea Holdings added, “Coastal Cabana reflects our shared vision with Qingjian Realty of creating homes that combine thoughtful design with enduring quality. From its architectural composition to the landscaping and arrival experience, every detail has been planned to harmonise with Pasir Ris’ coastal character while providing residents with a sense of space and calm.”
The development comprises 16 residential blocks of 11 and 12 storeys, offering a mix of three- to five-bedroom units ranging from 872 sq ft to 1,421 sq ft. It provides a total of 748 car park lots and is expected to achieve vacant possession by 31 March 2029.
A Well-Connected Coastal Home in the Heart of Pasir Ris
Located in one of Singapore’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods, Coastal Cabana offers residents the rare combination of coastal tranquillity and urban convenience. The neighbourhood’s abundant green spaces and family-friendly amenities have made it one of the East’s most desirable places to call home.
Situated next to Downtown East and just minutes from Pasir Ris Park and Pasir Ris MRT, the development enjoys close proximity to a full suite of shopping, dining, and recreational options.
In the coming years, the existing Pasir Ris MRT station will serve as an interchange connecting the existing East West Line (EWL) and the upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL) – offering residents island-wide connectivity and shorter travel times to key destinations and employment hubs.
Residents will also benefit from excellent road connectivity, with the Tampines Expressway (TPE) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE) offering easy access to the rest of the island.
An Evolving Neighbourhood That Offers Something for Everyone
As part of the ongoing rejuvenation of Pasir Ris, the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 will introduce new residential, commercial, and recreationalenhancements to Pasir Ris, further strengthening the estate’s appeal and bringing greater convenience, vibrancy, and long-term value to the neighbourhood.
Set within this evolving and self-contained estate, residents will already enjoy a wealth of amenities – from seaside leisure and nature parks, to lifestyle, shopping, dining, entertainment options, as well as reputable schools.
For those with school-going children, a strong network of educational institutions can be found nearby, including Casuarina Primary School and Pasir Ris Primary School within 1km of the development. Other nearby institutions include Elias Park Primary School, Hai Sing Catholic School, Meridian Primary School, Meridian Secondary School, Singapore Institute of Technology, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design.
Homes Designed for Every Generation
Set against the Pasir Ris coastline, Coastal Cabana is envisioned as a modern coastal sanctuary where families can enjoy generous spaces, sea views, and seamless connectivity.
Thoughtfully conceived as a rare coastal sanctuary with stunning sea views, Coastal Cabana is designed for comfort, connection, and convenience. The development pairs functional layouts with luxury resort-inspired facilities – offering residents the tranquillity of coastal living and the energy of a vibrant, well-established community.
The mix of three- to five-bedroom units cater to the evolving needs of families at every stage of life – from young couples starting out to multi-generational households seeking space, comfort and togetherness. All unit types are north-south facing and feature naturally ventilated kitchens and bathrooms, with selected layouts offering flexible spaces for use such as study or flexi areas that can be adapted to suit different lifestyle needs.
Homeowners can also expect quality interior finishes with kitchen appliances from Bosch and bathroom fittings from Hansgrohe.
A Space for Connection, Framed by Nature
Beyond their homes, residents can also look forward to over 65 family-oriented amenities, including a two-storey clubhouse, four swimming pools, and a sky terrace that offers sweeping sea views.
Coastal Cabana’s expansive clubhouse is envisioned as the heart of the development’s activity, providing residents with a multitude of options for connection, play, and relaxation.
The two-storey clubhouse is one of the most striking features of the development. Designed as an expansive social and recreational zone, it offers spaces for every member of the family – including four function rooms, a karaoke room, a music room, kids club, yoga studio, and a fully equipped gym. Beyond the clubhouse are other facilities including a tennis court, BBQ pavilions, outdoor fitness park, and adventure park for children.
Coastal Cabana’s collection of swimming pools are thoughtfully designed to suit different lifestyles, from family recreation to wellness and lap swimming.
The development’s collection of four swimming pools has been thoughtfully curated to cater to different lifestyles and generations – from the 50-metre Grand Pool and Lifestyle pool for serious swimmers, to the Family Pool designed for parents and young children, and the Wellness pool with spa facilities and aqua gym for leisure and relaxation. This deliberate separation of spaces allows residents to enjoy both tranquillity and connection, echoing the development’s vision of harmonious living.
Complementing the range of facilities, the development is also distinguished by its landscaping and architectural concept, which draws inspiration from tranquil European gardens – reflected in its symmetry, manicured hedgerows, and elegant vertical features that frame the facades.
The Grand Boulevard forms the centrepiece of Coastal Cabana’s arrival experience, leading residents and guests through a resort-inspired sequence from the drop-off area to the main lobby.
The experience begins with each arrival home. The Grand Boulevard forms the heart of Coastal Cabana’s arrival experience – framing a resort-inspired flow that begins at the Grand Boulevard Lobby – an elegant drop-off area – and the adjacent Boulevard Lounge which serves as a grand welcome for guest entering the development. Upon entering the grounds, residents are greeted by a long reflective water corridor that creates a serene visual transition from the lively surroundings into a calm, contemplative space within the development.
The long reflective water corridor lined with manicured hedgerows creates a serene visual transition from the development’s lively surroundings into its calm, landscaped interior.
The common areas are thoughtfully arranged around lush, manicured courtyards framed by tall landscaped walls and hedgerows, evoking a sense of peace, privacy, and timeless elegance. Expansive green lawns and open play areas create welcoming spaces for children to play and for families to gather, encouraging outdoor recreation and community connection. Together, these elements create an environment that feels both tranquil and alive – a crafted sanctuary that changes in mood and scenery as one moves through it.
Preview and Launch Details
Previews and e-applications will commence from 6 to 21 December 2025. Prices will range from S$1.438 million (S$1,649 psf) for a 872 sq ft three-bedder, and S$1.623 million (S$1,639 psf) for a 990 sq ft four-bedder.
E-applications for first-and second-time applicants will be balloted by HDB. The results of the balloting will be made known by 13 January 2026 and applicants with a ballot queue number will be given an appointment date and time to book their units.
Sales launch will commence on 17 January 2026.
The sales gallery is located along Eunos Avenue 3.
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